Statement on Chiles v. Salazar

Yesterday, the Supreme Court handed down a ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, a case challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. In the majority decision, the Court weaponized free speech rights against preventive bans that protect young people from the harms of conversion therapy. Twenty-three states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have preventive bans like the one in Colorado.

In response, Maya Arigala, Senior Public Policy Manager of the national youth activism and sexual health organization Advocates for Youth, issued the following statement:

“We are extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v Salazar, which could subject more LGBTQ+ young people across the country to the cruel, pseudoscientific practice of conversion therapy.

Young people and their families deserve protection against conversion therapy, an exploitative and dangerous practice that heightens risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ youth and that has been condemned by every major medical organization. Regulating licensed professionals’ practice of conversion therapy  does not impinge upon free speech – it ensures patients receive safe, high-quality medical care. 

LGBTQ+ young people deserve safety regulations that insulate their childhoods from bigotry repackaged as medical care. In dealing a blow to preventive bans, the Supreme Court has put young people’s health and dignity at risk. 

Advocates for Youthis a 501(c)3 organization that champions efforts that help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth boldly advocates for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health, focusing its work on young people ages 14-24 in the U.S. and around the globe.